About Us

ABOUT DETOURS AMERICAN WEST

Some of the American West’s best sights are on the back roads and dirt roads that crisscross the land.

Imagine yourself taking a tour with flexibility and maximum comfort while exploring the hidden gems and roads along the way. Through the use of custom vehicles and expert guides, combined with our spirit for travel, DETOURS stands out among the rest and that is why we are considered the best.

DETOURS is a privately held company that was established in 2001 by two guides who yearned to break out of the “big bus” tours.

Starting with just two vans, the original DETOURS crew began daily tours to Grand Canyon, Sedona and Apache Trail. In just a few years, the fleet grew and now consists of more than twenty vehicles including several Lincoln Navigators for private tours. What started out with only a few tours from Phoenix has grown tremendously to include tours from Las Vegas, St. George, Page and even Adventures and Native America tours. The destinations have expanded to include Antelope Canyon, Tombstone, Zion National Park, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon and so many more.

We pride ourselves on all aspects of the guest experience including giving our guests a comfortable and safe touring experience.

Our luxury vehicles have been custom fitted with individual captain’s chairs to be the most comfortable and versatile in the business for long range touring. The oversized windows ensures no scenic views will be missed as you travel through the gorgeous Southwest scenery. By providing smaller group sizes on our tours, our tour guides become familiar with each guest and ensure that they are getting a first class and personalized experience.

In addition to providing all day comfort, DETOURS ensures your safety during guided tours. We take your trust seriously which is why the care of our fleet is a top priority. Our vehicles are serviced daily by a local automotive shop that is AAA “Top Shop” certified so you can rest assured that your touring vehicle will be safe and well-maintained.

For private charters, DETOURS is proud to feature Lincoln Navigators on guided tours. Luxury SUVs and coaches allow you and your guests to travel the American West in style. Our private fleet is maintained with the same care as our larger vehicles with daily maintenance and consistent servicing.

By definition, a tour guide interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area-specific location.

DETOURS professional guides go beyond the standard practice of knowing their immediate area and are intimately familiar with other tour destinations throughout the American West. With a wide knowledge base and the personal experience of touring to these destinations, our professional guides take great pride in showcasing the amazing destinations throughout the American West.

DETOURS tour guides are made up of an eclectic group and come from a varying array of backgrounds including teachers, archaeologists, historians and adventure guides but they all have one thing in common: a passion for travel and exploration. Each guide calls the American West home and relishes in the wonders and touring opportunities which it provides. Some of the best viewpoints or unique local experiences cannot be read about from a travel book and it is our intention to facilitate these highly personal experiences during your guided tour. Through continuous training and ever expanding knowledge, our guides go above and beyond making the most of every destination. Simply put – DETOURS guides are the best of the best. They strive to help you make memories on tour that will stay with you forever and entice you to come back for another tour of this amazing region.

BROWSE OUR AVAILABLE TOURS

FROM THE OWNER

Jeff Slade

Owner

Since I was in high school, I’ve been taking people all over the West and it’s been my passion ever since. I love the American West, there is so much diversity and rich cultural history. Taking people off the beaten path and showing them things they’ve never seen is what DETOURS is all about. Our guides follow the same philosophy as I did when I was a tour guide: you’ll pick up a group of strangers but you’ll bring back a family.

We know these places intimately. We know the best overlooks and the best way to get around crowds. We will take you places and show you things that you normally wouldn’t see if you went on your own. Our custom vehicles and expert guides set us apart from the rest and ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

The best way to see all the Southwest has to offer is with DETOURS. We love showing off the incredible destinations this area has to offer. Let us help you enjoy your next vacation.

ABOUT DETOURS

DETOURS is the premier tour operator of the American West offering day and multi-day guided tours of the Grand Canyon and other beautiful destinations.